'Udinese jeers are unacceptable'

Udinese patron Giampaolo Pozzo has blasted the fans for criticising his team. “This lack of faith is unacceptable.”

The Friulani finished fourth last season, but lost the Champions League play-off to Arsenal and were trailing before fighting back to beat Rennes 2-1 on Thursday in the Europa League.

“I did not like the atmosphere in the stadium on Thursday night one little bit,” slammed Pozzo.

“This lack of faith is unacceptable. Obviously, playing every three days and going into a Serie A game with Fiorentina, it was normal to rotate the squad. We fielded a young side against Rennes who need time and patience to adapt to Italian football.

“How did the crowd react? At the first sign of difficulty, they murmured their disapproval and began to jeer. No, this is not acceptable. The lads and the Coach must be encouraged, not criticised.”

The fans were also unhappy over the summer with Alexis Sanchez, Gokhan Inler and Cristian Zapata all sold.

“We have been running this club the same way for years and do not know any other approach,” insisted Pozzo.

“I therefore think it would be intelligent for the fans to support and encourage the players, not criticise them at their first mistake. It almost seems as if they are waiting for the first defeat to protest.

“We restructured the Stadio Friuli to have the fans closer, but if this is the reaction then what is the point in investing €30m?”